I wouldn't be too concerned. Allegedly, the Doctor is going to suffer a "temporary regeneration" during one of the 2009 specials - or some such B.S. - into a woman, played by Jennifer Saunders.

This could be RTD's attempt to poke fun at all the stupid Whovians out there who actually believed such a blatantly daft idea. (And I'm sure the concept of cute white alien babies spawning from human body fat is completely and wholly un-daft.)

BBC News reports that David Tennant was unable to take part in last night's performance of the current Royal Shakespeare Company production of Hamlet at the Novello Theatre in London, due to what is described as "a long-standing back injury".

The play transferred to London last week following a successful run at Stratford-Upon-Avon. Tennant's understudy Edward Bennett took the role for last night's performance.

UPDATE: The Guardian and many other sources are reporting an official RSC press release that Tennant has not been well enough to resume the role for this evening's press night. The performance will once again see Bennett as Hamlet.

Dec 10th

BBC News, The Telegraph and many other media sources are reporting the Royal Shakespeare Company's press release that David Tennant will not be able to return to the role of Hamlet for the play's run at the Novello Theatre in London before Christmas. The Tenth Doctor actor will undergo surgery on Thursday for a back condition.

There is no news yet as to whether Tennant's injury will affect his participation in filming for Doctor Who from January. In Hamlet, his understudy Edward Bennett has won favourable reviews.

And as far as Jennifer Saunders? Nah. Joanna Lumley. SHE'D make a great Doctor!!!

(Or nurse...)

- I love to find adventure. All I need is a change of clothes, my Nikon, an open mind and a strong cup of coffee.

Barber wrote:And as far as Jennifer Saunders? Nah. Joanna Lumley. SHE'D make a great Doctor!!!

(Or nurse...)

Can you just see her with a fag hanging out of her mouth, another unlit in her hand, completely pissed, slurring out "Cyberman? Cyberman? Think you can delete me, eh? Oh goarh (vomits at feet of metal man)"

Loving it!! ABSOLUTELY loving it!

Now, what about Dame Helen Mirren? OR for a total change of pace, Parminder Nagra, who played the Sikh girl in Bend it Like Beckham?
Post colonialism anyone?

Joanna Lumley.... Oh wow. She would be amazing. Mind you I have had a soft spot for her since I was a kid watching Saffire and Steel. ANd the New Avengers of course. You just cant beat a bit of posh totty and that she most definitely is.

Well, they obviously decided to go with a fresh up-and-comer rather than an established thespian, which is pretty daring when you consider how youthful Matt Smith is (twenty-six; the youngest to take the role to date).

As for Mr. Smith, I've only seen one interview with the guy, so I'll have to wait till 2010 like everybody else before making any kind of judgement. But he does look interesting - reminds me of Crispin Glover. Can't wait to see what he does with the part.